Nature DAY CAMP

Explore. Learn. Grow.

Nature Day Camp is for ages 5-13. The week runs Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 3:00pm.  As campers grow individually and as a group, they will have fun, make new friends, and discover ecological connections in the world around them.

A "Typical" Day at Nature Day Camp

Campers start their day together with the entire camp community at the outside sanctuary for songs and a fun, activity-based time of faith sharing. Age groups then split for theme-based adventures including hiking, archery, low ropes, high ropes, climbing wall, and games to name a few.  We come together for lunch and then continue with our nature-themed activities perhaps at the lake for swimming and boating, in our various creeks, or maybe even a slip-n-slide.  Each week includes a pack-out day where each age group spends the entire day away from main camp exploring the woods, having fun, and preparing lunch over a campfire. 

While no two days will look exactly the same, every day is filled with fun, friendships, and learning!

2024 Nature Day Camp Sessions & Dates

Wilderness Survival

June 17 - 21

Nuts About Nature

June 24 - 28

Family Camp

June 30 - July 5

Adventure Week

July 8 - 12

Habitat Hikers

July 15 - 19

Aquatic Exploration

July 22 - 26

Wilderness Survival

July 29 - August 2

End of Summer Blast

August 5 - 9

FAQs

The camping week is Monday through Friday 8:30am – 3:00pm. Check-in begins Mondays starting at 8:30am at the Nature Center. Check-out is at 3:00pm at the Nature Center.

Before/Aftercare are available at a cost of $5 per half hour increments starting at 8:00am. All campers must be picked up by 5:00pm.

Ages 5-13. Campers are grouped together based on age and activities are structured to match their level of development.

Campers should bring the following items for their use at camp:

  • Backpack with sturdy straps (for item storage and day hiking)
  • Shoes to hike (hiking boots, sneakers, or closed toe shoes)
  • Water shoes or old shoes that can get wet (no flip flops)
  • Swimsuit/Towel
  • Water bottle
  • Sweatshirt/light jacket, rain gear
  • Sunscreen & Insect repellent
  • Medications (if needed)

All day campers must complete a full health history form prior to attendance at camp.

Campers that need medications administered at camp will have their administration supervised by the camp health care coordinator.

Day camp staff and healthcare staff will communicate with parents if injury or illness arise during the camp day.

Campers with food allergies should indicate that need on the health form and our food service staff will work with each family to best accommodate special dietary requirements.

We will work with families to accommodate campers with mild to moderate special needs in an inclusive setting. Our program focuses on building skills and gaining self-esteem as part of the outdoor experience with campers participating in all activities alongside their typically developing peers. Campers must be able to navigate uneven terrain and be bathroom independent or provide a caregiver to assist with the task. In addition, if a camper requires TSS services at school, they must also have TSS services for the time they are at camp.

First camper is full price, each additional sibling receives $10 discount/week.

Those who finalize their registration by March 31, 2024 will receive a free limited-edition camp t-shirt that will be distributed upon arrival at Nature Day Camp.

The Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society (GWVAS) has a limited number of full or partial Nature Camp Scholarships available for a session at Bear Creek Camp’s Nature Day Camp. Click here to download the 2024 GWVAS scholarship application.

Bear Creek Camp can provide assistance for one Nature Day Camp week through Camperships. If you would like to apply for a Campership, download this form and return it to Bear Creek Camp.

Online registration is the preferred method for all summer camp registrations. We use an online platform, CampBrain, that is easy-to-use, secure, and saves you time by carrying over information form previous registrations including health from information.

We fully understand if you would prefer off-line registration. Please download and submit both Nature Day Camp Off-line Registration Form AND Off-line Youth Health Form.

About Our Staff

Nature Day Camp counselors are adults (18+) passionate about nature and teaching youth. They are trained to share the natural world found at Bear Creek Camp and utilize best practices for working with children. 

Jr. Counselors

Junior Counselors are paid and volunteer staff between 13-17 years of age. Throughout the summer they will work alongside adult NDC staff as they develop valuable leadership and environmental education skills. Those interested in exploring this opportunity should contact Denise Abrams – [email protected]

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